Our October Game Day West focused on the Theme – “Growth of the Western World” in order to coordinated with Mark Williams Western Civilization Class at St. Charles Community College. This is the second of our Autumn Game Days that offer an opportunity for students to attend as an extra credit option for his classes. Coming in November we will look at the American Civil War and in December WWII in the Pacific.
Two tables buzzed with activity with Dave Schaffner using some superbly painted 15mm miniatures to present a full day of 100 Years War Gaming. On our other table we ventured off to the Emerald Isle and the Dark Ages skirmish action.
Using One Hour Ancients and Medieval Skirmish Rules we start with the Battle of Clontarf 23 April 1014 just north of the City of Dublin. Where we find the forces of High King of Ireland Brian Boru looking to evict the Vikings and their influence from the Most Fair of islands. Our Viking players (Reagan B and Mark W) outnumbered as they were took on the throng of Irish Warriors ( Mark J and Steve T).
Historically and on the table there wasn’t a lot of options for the opponents as it was a simple move to melee and get in a good whack first before your enemy could respond. Reagan and Mark took up this challenge right away as pushed forward quickly onto the Irish side of the creek.
Players on both sides did what they could to double and triple team their foes hoping for the advantage at some point in the combat. Some of the Vikings held fast even when completely surrounded by Irish Warriors, a benefit of them wearing armor and the Irish not doing so.
Student Regan B was quick to pick on the subtleties of the tactics and took advantage of the bonus question (previously sent to the class), answering it correctly, securing her an extra card draw chit to use in case of emergency.
In this case Clontarf ended as a Viking victory due to the dogged pressure put upon the Irish by the Viking team. Seeing the Irish leader Murchad Mac Briain (son of High King Brian Boru) fall to a Viking sword drove a stake in the hearts of the Irish forces and they were soon forced to retire.
Across the room the 100 Years War raged with Dave Schaffner presenting another of his superbly crafted games for us all to enjoy. Dave was kind enough not only to provide his game for us but also sent in a nice report and photos of the action so we will turn it over to Dave’s talented narrative. …..
“Thanks to Kevin Fitzpatrick and Mark Williams for having organized these recent Big Muddy Game Days-West, to support the curriculum of Mark’s college courses this year. It’s been fun to focus on getting games out on the table, but to ensure we’re doing history proper too.“
“Saturday’s Hundred Year’s War presentation came about with a tip from Burt Campbell, that he brought back from Nashcon – about a fun, unit-based ruleset called Trial By Battle, which he played there this past summer. His review of the rules sounded perfect for the type of gaming possible at our public events – with easy-learn, fast-play action, and do-over possibilities for an afternoon at the shop.“
“Armed with this new set of rules, and my 15mm Medievals, we had our Trial By Battles this past Saturday. Using two compact battle mats for play, the guys waged war all afternoon – thinkin’ we played 3-4 sessions each, with the guys suggesting we join the boards together for one big, multi-player clash across the table. College student Will even bought his first set of dice – to freshen up his 1st-game rotten rolls (they did help too).“
“It was fun stuff, with fun people – both young and old!“
“Thanks again Kev – well done!”
Dave
Our Thanks to You Dave for your commitment to historical fidelity and bringing forth for our tables a superb example of what we are all hoping to achieve in our game presentations.
A Sincere Thank You to Mark Williams for helping to put together this “History Through a Different Lens” Program for his students. We also offer our Appreciation to the players and students who joined us for our October Game Day West and our continued Thanks to Miniature Market Rock Hill and its staff for their continued support. We look forward to seeing you all at our upcoming Game Days.
